The Puppy Obsession - Aatu Tamaskan

We went through a Utonagan obsession for a while but then the breeder (from Scotland) that we were going to purchase from didn't end up being able to meet our needs because her puppies who were due in May ended up being due late July.  So we started researching again. 

In the United States, it was really hard to find a Utonagan so I started looking for mixed breed with the mix of Siberian Husky, Alaskan Malamute, and German Sheperd. I found the Tamaskan. The Tamaskan is very similar to the Utonagan in make-up but the Tamaskan has more stringent physical trait requirements and less variation in color than the Utonagan.

With my interest peaked, I contacted the Aatu Tamaskan Breeders about availability of puppies.  I ended up finding an amazing breeder who sent me the ultrasound above.  I immediately started doing research and actively talking with the breeder.

She sent me the picture to the right when the puppies were born.  By this time I was madly in love with the breed and so were the kids.  We have been studying how to train and raise a puppy as well as studying information on Siberian Huskies and German Sheperds, since there are no books specifically on Tamaskans.  We have done a lot of internet research and even have read some training books on games, tricks and agility activities you can do with your dog to keep their mind active and engaged. 

The breeder of our puppy (or so we hope) is named Reggie, and she does some amazing things with these puppies. If all breeders were so caring and involved, I think that there would be no market for puppy mills because it wouldn't be acceptable developmentally for puppies to be denied what she gives them.

You may wonder why I am not saving a dog from the pound and here are just a few of the reasons: 1. The dogs, especially the puppies haven't received the care during those developmental months.  2. Temperment, breed and previous life experience cannot be determined.  3. There is a 50/50 chance at the pound of getting a severe problem, like Cali who peed on everything.  Ella on the other hand is now totally indoor and doing great. 4. I wanted a puppy who grows up with our family and knows us and who is trained for our lifestyles. 5. I want to know the full medical history of the dog.

I do feel sad for the problem of unwanted pets, I am not supporting puppy mills or poor breeders. I feel this is right because we are supporting an amazing breeder who is bringing into the world a mentally and physically healthy puppy who is well supported at all stages of development. I will give more information about her amazing care soon.

Is The Weekend Over Already?

What a weekend!  The kids spent some time with their dad on Friday night to Saturday.  Patrick hung out with his friend and Mandy and I went to dinner and a movie.  We ate at Red Robin, at the District (You will want to remember which one).  We avoided an hour wait by being bar vultures.  We took the first seats that opened up and had our food by the time they called our name to sit.  After running into Krista and her hubby we finished the Jazz game :-( then headed to our movie. 

The movies was pretty good.  Not at all what I expected.  Definitely a DRAMA and good if you feel like getting a little bit emotional.

You would think the night was over... but no. For the fourth time in a few weeks I forgot to unplug the seat warmer that Patrick got me for Christmas and so my car was sitting outside Mandy's house dead as a doornail. 12:30 at night, the temp was in the teens, Mandy's house was warm and cozy, and Patrick was getting up early for drill so I just decided to sleep over and deal with it in the morning. 

Everything seemed great, we watched Grey's while lying in bed, but Mandy was starting to feel sick.  She ended up being up all night with what seems to be food poisoning from none other than RED ROBIN! She was so ill that we went to the doctor in the morning who thinks it was e.coli.  She is still sick now and will be for a few days.  Thank you Red Robin! (I am starting to wonder if I am bad luck... flat tire, late nights, dead battery, food poisoning.)

Saturday night the kids and I went to get haircuts, ate fast food, then came home and got in our pajamas and went to bed.  Patrick had drill again and we spend the day in our PJs.  I wanted to go to the school again but ended up working on stuff from home.  I am hoping for a great week.  Joey and Patrick start Jr. Jazz Wednesday.  Angel has piano and dance.  Next weekend is a lovely 3 days!  Keep moving forward.

January 3, 2011

We started off our day having brunch at Market Street Grill With Jay and Nghia (which this is not actually a picture of... well, it is Jay and Nghia, just not at the restaurant).  I have been a terrible friend and just barely gave them their Christmas card and gift.  They looked great and were fun to be around. I wish I saw them more often.

Following brunch, Patrick spent the rest of the day alone while I went to the school and tried to get some work done.  Some organization happened and until this hour (2 am) I have been working on my Science grades for Mr. Wood and will momentarily retire for the night without a complete product for him.

I hired Liv and Cord to work for me and they were really hard workers.  The Rhoton's joined us and helped for a good 45 minutes as well.  My goal is to limit procrastination and stay on top of things. Three and a half hours till it's time to get started.... Goodnight!

New Year's Day

Breakfast of Champions: Reese's Puffs, Pop Tarts, Nutty Buddies, Hot Chocolate, and Soy or Rice Milk.

The kiddos hung out, rocked out on the Wii, and played board games until about 11:30 when Clint came to pick up Joey and Angel for his family get-together.  Joey and Angel went sledding and exchanged presents with the Deckers.  Meanwhile I went to the School and Mandy's to grade some papers and watch Grey's Anatomy (which she is getting me hooked on - but making me start with season 1).  We got through 1 episode, a new seating chart and some grading while stopping periodically to run children around.  Cole, Cord, and some friends went sledding (don't worry, it was sunny and warm with a high of 13 degrees).

Dinner was Betos' chips, salsa and guac; which we enjoyed while watching Good Will Hunting until Mommy Mandy was wanted but unfortunately she was stuck in my driveway due to a snow (ice) hill under the car. It ended up she just needed a little push and was off.

Patrick and I hung out the rest of the night, relaxing.

New Year's Eve

We wanted to start our new year with some of our good friends: the Willdens and the Rhotons.  During the day we went to Boondocks and played Laser-tag, enjoyed the XD Theater and played lots of games.



We had tacos for dinner and then played board games, Rockband, Guitar hero, Wii Dance and Sing it until just before midnight.

The Willden family told us that their tradition was to grab pots and pans to make noise with for one whole minute at midnight.  Instead, we grabbed all the musical instruments around and used those while screaming and yelling on the porch. After brining in the New Year, parents went home and the kids had a sleep-over.  When I finally went to bed at 3:30 I could still hear Kristyn, Kaley and Liv talking.

As you are trying to imagine Patrick and Bristol taking part in all of our fun activities, don't.  After returning from Boondocks they watched football and then TV.  The only time I heard them even address the rest of us was after throwing a pillow at the basement door didn't successfully close it, so they had to tell one of the kids to do it.

(Incidentally, it has been years since I was able to stay awake until midnight to bring in the New Year.)